Button



Dec. 30, 1930. 1. D. FORD 1,786,839

BUTTON Filed Sept. 18', 1929 Patented Dec. 30, 1930v UNITED ,sv'ri-i'rlazsl PATENT OFFICE IRA D. FORD, OF ROSELAND, ONTARIO, CANADA, ASSIGNOR T0 UNIVERSAL BUTTON FASTENING & BUTTON COMPANY, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OE- MICHIGAN BUTTON Application mee september 18,1929.'` serial 110.393,328.

This invention relates to metal buttons and aims to provide an improved sheet metal but ton combining the neat and substantial appearance of the composition or pearl button with the strength and economy of manufacture of the metal button.

The nature of the invention may be readily understood by reference to one illustrative button embodying` the invention and shown in the accompanying drawing.

In said drawing:

Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the button after the forming operations but before any finishing treatment.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the button.

Fig. 3 is a section similar to F ig. 1, of a button provided with a protective or decorative coating.

Metal buttons have been largely used Where utilitarian considerations, such as those of strength and ease of attachment, were controlling. The appearance of the typical button used on Workingmens clot-hing, et cetera, has interfered with the more extensive use of the metal button. The illustrative but-ton While being made of very thin sheet metal (.010 to .012 thick) is shaped in suoli form that-it gives the substantial appearance of the composition or pearl but-- ton, used on shirts for example, and yet is of such form that it may be satisfactorily subjected to all the usual finishing treatments for metal buttons, such as cleaning, plating, et cetera.

In the present instance the inventive features have been embodied in a serv-on button 10 having four thread eyes 11. The metal of the button which, as stated above, may be from .010 to .012 thick, may advantageously be sheet aluminum appropriate for die forming operations. In forming the button the central portion thereof is depressed as at 12 to provide a recessed area to receive the eX osed ortions of the attachino' thread extending between the thread holes 11, which portions therefore lie below the surface of the outer face 13 of the button andare protected from Wear. The margins 14 of the button blank are rolled or curled around so as to provide an edge 15 which gives the appearance of .substantial thickness to the button such as that of the typical pearl or composition shirt button. The extremity 16 of the button edge terminates a distance 17 from the central portion of the button to permit the rapid escape of any liquids suchi as cleaning solution or a plating acid which may enter during the'cleaning 4or plating operations. Such solutions if retained in the button Would obviously be liable to cause damage both. to the button and to the clothing t-o which the button is attached. The space 17, therefore, should be Wide enough so that capillary action cannot -interfere With the escape of the liquid. The'under edge 18 of the vbutton rim should either be level or inclined slightly toward thecenter of the button Vso as not toform a pocket for the retention of cleaning liquids or plating acids.

l Either a portion or all vof the metal displaced by the thread holes 11 maybe curled underneath the bottom of the button' as at 19`and uniformly distributed around the hole to provide a marginal reinforcement therefor and a smooth and rounded exposed surface; 2O for the threadV holes Which presents no sharp edges to cut the thread.

The thinness of the sheet metal not only reduces the cost of the button (Without resulting in the flimsy appearance which might characterize a thin sheet metal button) but y bricate and reduce Wear on the dies. Due to the formation of the button edge referred to above, the cleaning liquid readily escapes When the buttons are removed from the cleaning solution. The same applies to plating preparations or any other finishing or coating pre aration which is subsequently placed on the utton.

In Fig. 3 is illustrated in somewhat exaggerated form the tendency of the coating or surfacing 21 applied to the button, to obliterete es et 22 enel 23 the evidenee @het the betton is mede. merely from sheet metel .end ,is not a solid button.

Obviously the invention is not limited to the details' of the illustrative button since these may be variously modified.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. As an article of manufacture, a sewfon button formed of relatively thin sheet metal having a centrally depressed thread receiving portion provided with threed holes, end heving the metal of its margin turned over to simulate a thick button edge, the turned edge of. Seid metel being .Substantially Perellel zo with Ithe button face and terminating a distance from said centrally depressed portion and leaving the hollow space of said button edge open for the free eeeepe of .liquids employed in connection with the finishing of g5 Said button. 2,. As an article of manufacture, a sew-on button formed of relatively thin sheet metal having a centrally depressed thread receiving Portion Provided with thread holes, end ,an having the metal of its margin turned over'to simulate a thick` button edge, the turned edge of seid metal being Sehete.ntelly perellel with the ,button faoe and terminating ,e dstenoe from said centrally depressed portion land 35 leaving the hollow space of said button edge epee for the free escape of liquide employed in Vocmneeton with the finishing 0f Seid button, ,Seid dsteinee being greet enough to prevent capillary interference with the escape of o .Seid liquide. 1n testimony whereof, I herve Signed my naine to this speciiication, 

